Remotely-controlled dictationrecording system



y 1956 R. M. SOMERS ET AL 2,757,238

REMOTELY-CONTROLLED DICTATION-RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 19, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet l To REPRODUC'ER M T3 M T R (Ittorneg y 1956 R. M. SOMERS E'TAL 2,757,238

REMOTELY-CONTROLLED DICTATION-RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 19, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent REMOTELY-CONT-ROLLED DICTATION- RECORDING SYSTEM Richard M. Somers, West Orange, and Francis J. Salford, Livingston, N. 3., assignor's to Thomas A. Edison, In corporated, West Orange, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application September 19, 1951, Serial No. 247,244

33 Claims. (Cl. 179-6) controlled dictation-recording systems of the type described and claimed in the pending application of Richard Kob'ler, Serial No. 204,794, filed January 6, 1951, now Patent No. 2,650,951, issued September 1, 1953, and having common ownership with the present application. This type of remotely-controlled dictation-recording system ischaracterized by the use of only four wires between each remote station and the recording machine, and by the use of a novel auxiliarycontrol which is actuated when recordation proceeds beyond apredetermined point on the record and utilized in a novel manner to enable one recording machine to suffice for the system.

In describing the present system the term dictation unit is used to mean any single complete subject matter to be recorded such as a letter, memorandum, routine report, medical case report, etc. of average length and 't-heterm dictation period is used to mean any one continuous period during which an operator retains the system for his use or more specifically any period between the time the operator lifts the microphoneor handset from its support and the instant he :places the same back on its support. It has been observed, as .is pointed out in the aforementioned Kobler application, that certain major classes of dictation-machine users spend rather uniformly about two minutes to record .a dictation unit and record on the average about two dictation units, for a total of four to five minutes use of the machine, during each dictation period.

In view of this pattern of certain users .of dictationrecording machines, the aforementioned auxiliary control is utilized to prompt the attendant to change the record when, at the end-of a dictation period, there is insufficient recordable space remaining on the recordfor a succeeding such period. This prompting .may .be accomplished in any of many different ways, but is preferably done by signaling the attendants station by means of a strong 'signalingdevice such as a buzzer. Objects of our invention are to provide simple and efl'icient control means operable automatically during record change to shut off 'the signaling device and to apprise the dictators of the inoperability of the system during the record change.

A further object of our invention is to cause these automatic functions to be accomplished in response to the operationofa conditioning means of .a dictating machine required'to'be operated duringrecord change such as the means for shifting the'translating device with respect to therecordsandfior the means for releasably clamping the record to its support, etc.

2,757,238 Patented July 31, 1956 "ice Another object of our invention is to apprise the dietators of the inoperability of the system during record change by feeding a heavy hum or other distinct noise into the communication line to the dictators receiving devices, by opening the communication line between the stations and the recording machine and/ or by energizing a busy-signaling means provided at each of the stations.

A further object is to provide the attendant with a second signaling means of a different character than that provided for signaling a record change, which is controlled automatically by a conditioning means of the machine to cause it to be in operation only during record change, such additional signaling means being for the purpose of warning the attendant against inadvertently failing to restore the machine to a full operating condition.

In dictation-recording systems it is very important that facilities be provided for enabling a dictator to play back end portions of his recorded dictation, and to make indicating marks for the transcriber such as length, correction and rush marks. An object of our invention is to provide a simple and conveniently-operable arrangement whereby a remote dictator can effect playback and a plurality of indicating marks, as well as the other normal control functions for recordation of dictation, at his election through only four wires running from each station.

As is described in the aforementioned Kobler application, each remote station is provided with an on-off station switch operable automatically to On and 011' positions as the handset is removed from and returned onto its support. An object of our invention is to provide an automatically-operable means to effect a length marking each time the handset is returned onto its support.

Another object is to provide a novel control means by which a correction mark is made when playback and recordation start-stop controls are caused to be concurrently in their operated positions.

Another object is to provide a control means whereby either playback is effected or a correction mark is made according to whether the recordation control is in stop or start position as the playback control is operated to start position.

A further and comprehensive object of our invention is to provide a simplified control system for the remote control of a dictating machine, which is adapted to enable .all normal control functions of such a machine to be effected positively and in a manner natural to the dictator with the use vof only four wires running from each station.

These and other objects and features of our invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

In the description of our invention reference is had to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of circuits and mechanism showing a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system embodying the features of our invention; and

Figure 2 is a partial schematic drawing of this system illustrating a different embodiment of our invention.

In the following description it will be understood that different features of our invention have'application broadly to phonographic systems whether the systems be locally or remotely controlled or adapted for recordation and/ or playback.

The system shown in the accompanying drawing ,to illustrate our invention is adapted for recordation and for playback at the will of the dictator and comprises an attendants station 10 which embraces the dictating machine and the audio and control circuits, and one or more remote dictators stations of which one referred to as 11 is shown in full and another 11a is represented only diagrammatically. All dictators stations are alike and are connected in parallel with each other and to the tion is a normal dictating machine 16 which for the present purposes need be only fractionally shown. This machine comprises, for example, a turntable 17 journalled in a bearing 18 and driven by a motor M through a shaft 19, clutch 20, shaft 21, drive pulley 22 and belt 23 which rides in a track on the periphery of the turntable. A carriage feed screw 24 is driven by the turntable through a gear 25 mounted on the under side of the turntable, a pinion 26 on a shaft 27 which meshes with the gear 25, and right-angle gearing 28 which connects the shaft 27 to the feed screw. A carriage 29 is mounted on a guide 'rod 29a for movement across the turntable and is driven from left to right by the feed screw 24 through a feed nut 30. This carriage carries a recording device 31 and a reproducing device 32 both diagrammatically shown. These devices are controlled by means of any suitable known mechanism, not herein necessary to show, it being sufificient to state that both are moved onto a record disc R on the turntable as a control lever C on the carriage 29 is moved to record position, that both are moved away from the record disc as the lever C is moved to a neutral position, and that only the reproducer 32 is moved onto the record disc as the control lever C is moved to reproduce position. The reproducer is mounted at a fixed trailing distance from the recorder. The attendant normally leaves the control lever C in record position. Only during a change of record is the lever C moved to neutral position, and only on special instructions from the dictator is the lever C put in reproduce position. Since both recorder and reproducer engage the record disc when the lever C is in record position, a dictator may reproduce the recorded matter between the recorder and reproducer merely by shifting the electrical circuit connections, as will appear.

The record disc R is held on the turntable by a suitable clamp 33 herein shown simply as comprising a plunger 34 slidably mounted in the frame member 35 and having a clamping and centering head 36 at its lower end for engaging the central hub portion of the disc as the plunger is moved downwardly by a handle 37 pivoted to the frame member 35.

The audio circuits of the dictating machine per se comprise an audio transformer 38 the primary of which is connected serially in the communication line 12. One terminal of the secondary of this transformer is connected to a lead 39 constituting ground for the audio and control circuits and the other terminal of this secondary 'is connected to a volume control 40. From thevolume control connection is made to an equalizer circuit generally referred to as 41. From this equalizer a lead 42 connects to a contact 43a of a double-throw switch having a pole 43. Another contact 43b of this switch is connected to a volume control 44 which in turn is connected to an equalizing circuit generally referred to as 45. From this equalizer there run leads 46 to the reproducer 32 as indicated on the drawing. The pole 43 is connected to the grid of the first stage of an amplifier 47 herein fractionally shown as comprising an input stage 47a and a push-pull output transformer 4712. One terminal of the secondary of this output transformer is connected by a lead 48 to the ground side 13 of the aforementioned communication circuit 12-13, and the other terminal of this secondary winding is connected by a lead 49 to a pole 50 of a double-throw switch including contacts 50a and 50b. Contact 50a and the ground side of the secondary of transformer 47b are connected by leads 51 to the recorder 31 as indicated on the drawing. Contact 50b is connected by a lead 84 to a tap on the secondary winding of a transformer 158. This secondary winding is connected through a condenser 84a across the comiunication line 12-13.

The switch poles 43 and 50 are tied together mechanically as diagrammatically represented so as to Work in unison. When these poles engage their associated a contacts, as shown, a circuit is completed from the audio transformer 38 through the amplifier 47 to the recorder 31. On the other hand, when the poles engage their associated b contacts the audio circuit is from the reproducer 32 through the amplifier and the communication line 12-13 to the receivers of the dictators stations. Thus, when the poles 43 and 50 register with their associated a contacts the audio system is conditioned for recording and when they register with their associated b contacts the audio system is conditioned for reproducing.

At the dictators station there is a handset 53 comprising two transducers, a receiver 54 and a microphone 55 of the carbon-button type. The receiver 54 is connected across the communication line 12-13 via a resistor 56, condenser 57 and lead 58. The microphone is connected also across the communication line 12-13 via a lead 59 serially including a voltage cut-down resistor 60. Also at the station 11 there is an on-ofi station switch 61 of the double-pole single-throw type comprising stationary contacts 62a and 63a and cooperating movable poles 62 and 63 interconnected mechanically by an insulating bridge diagrammatically represented as 64. The switches 62-6211 and 63-63a are connected serially in the lines 12 and 13 respectively. The poles 62 and 63 are urged upwardly as by a spring (not shown) into their closed positions, and one is provided with a hooked end portions 62b adapted for supporting the handset when the handset is not in use. When the handset is placed on the hook support, each line 12 and 13 of the communication circuit is held open.

The communication circuit 12-13 has therein a source of direct current for energizing the microphone 55 and for operating certain control relays hereinafter described. This source comprises a full-wave rectifier 65 connected by way of a power transformer 66 and a power line 67 to a plug 68 to be connected to an A.C. power source (not shown) such as a llO-volt line. A master switch 69 is included in the power line 67 to permit the entire system to be shut ofi? when it is not in use or on stand-by. The direct current from the rectifier 65 is filtered by two shunt condensers '70 and 71 and an intervening choke 72. In the communication line 12 between the choke 72 and the primary of the audio transformer 38 there are two control relays 73 and 74 in series, which are hereinafter referred to respectively as the on-off and startstop relays of the system. A condenser 75 shunts the communication circuit 12-13 between the relay 74 and audio transformer 38, and serves as a by-pass for the audio currents in the communication line.

The relays 73 and 74 operate respectively at lower and higher direct current levels. The lower current level is established when the station switch 62-63 is closed, the circuit being then through the voltage cut-down resistor 61 and carbon-button microphone 55. To establish the higher current level, a start-stop switch 76 is provided for shorting the resistor 60; this is the recordation start-stop control as will appear. This switch is biased open and may be conveniently mounted on the handset. Thus, on removing the handset from its support, relay 73 is actuated and upon next depressing switch 76 relay 74 is also actuated.

A control relay 77, hereinafter referred to as the playback relay, is connected at the attendants station between the high-potential side 12 of the communication circuit 12-13 and one side, specifically the side 14, of the signal circuit 14-15. This relay is controlled at the re- :functions.

.at the attendants station.

motestationby a vpushbutton switch .78 which .is biased open and connected between :theysignal line 14 and the .low potential side 13of the.communication circuit. Thus,

is in Ofl? or open position when operated, and the switches 76 and 78 are in closedpositions when operated.

The on-off relay 73-controls the motor M among other This relay operates a switch pole 79 as represented by tie line 80. Switch-pole 79 engages a contact 79a when the relay is unactuated, and a contact 79b when the relay is actuated. .The circuit of the drive motor'comprises a lead 81 runningfrom the ungrounded side of the powerline 67, aresistor 82, leads 83 and 93 from-the motor to the pole 79, and a lead 84 from the contact 7% to the ground line 39 aforementioned. Since the motor 'M is herein considered as being of the D.-C.

type, this circuit is provided also with a rectifier 85 in series with the motor and with a filter 86 in shunt with the motor.

provided to permit compensation for 'dilferent lengths of lead lines) from the secondary of the transformer 89 The primary or" this transformer is connected across the power line '67 when the pole 79 is closed with the contact 79b, as when the relay 73 isactuated, by a circuit which comprises the lead 81,

the primary winding of the transformer 89, a lead 90,

a normally-closed switch pole 91 and associated contact 91a, leads'92 and 93, switch pole 79 and associated contact 79b, and the lead 84 to ground line .39. Although :the line '14 of the A.-C. signal circuit is common with a portion of the 'D.-C. energizing circuit 'for the playback relay 77, the relay serves as a choke :to prevent feedthrough to the communication .circuit 12-13 of hum from A.-C. voltage drop thatoccurs in the A.-C. line 14 of the signal circuit.

.In shunt with the primary winding of the transformer 89 is a lamp circuit comprising a lamp '94, shunt resistor 95 and series resistor 96. The lamp 94 serves to apprise the attendant whenever the system is in use, and is referred to as the attendants busy signaling means. busy signals are given at all stations whenever the motor 'Mis running.

The start-stop relay 74 operates a switch pole 97 as represented by the tie line 98. This pole normallymakes with a contact 97a and is moved to a contact 9712 when the relay is actuated. The switch pole 97 is connected to the ground line 39 via a lead 99 and a normally-closed contact 100a and pole 100-of the playbackrelay 77. The contacts 97a and 971) are connected respectively to stop and startco'ils 101 and '102 of an electromagnetic clutch actuator 103. This clutch actuator has a pivoted arma ture 104 carrying a switch pole 105 connected by a lead 106 to the nngrounded side of the power line 67. The switch pole 105 contacts an end terminal of the stop coil 101 as the start coil is energized and contacts the .end terminal of the start coil as the stop coil is energized, the purpose being to break the circuit of whichever coil is energized and .to prepare thecircuit of the other coil for subsequent energization. The armature 104 is connected mechanically to themovable element of the clutch .20, as

Thus, 1

represented digarammatically by the rdotteddine .107, .to cause the clutch to be engaged as thestartcoilisenergized and to be disengaged as the stopcoillis energized. Since the pole 97 normally makes with the contact .9-7a, the stop coil is normally the last energized .to cause the clutch to be disengaged. However, if .thedictator presses the recordation-start-stop control 76, the pole 97 engages with the contact 97b to energize the start coil 102 .and cause the clutch to be engaged and recordrotation to-be started. As the start-stop control .76 is released, the reverse action takes place to cause the record rotation to stop.

When the playback start-stop control .78 is pressed, the playback relay 77 is actuated to engage the pole with a contact 10012 connected also to the start coil 102. This causes the start coil to be energized and record .rotation to be started. Preliminary to this starting-of rec- 0rd rotation, the pole 100 breaks with the contact [10011 to open the circuit of the stop coil. .Since the stop coil circuit includes the pole 97 and contact 97a of relay 74 and the pole 100 and contact 100a of relay '77., it follows that both relays must 'be unactuated, or that .both controls 76 and 78 must be released, .in order to stop record rotation. On the other hand, on pressingeither of the controls '76 and 78 the reeordtotation is started.

On pressing the playback control 78, not only is record rotation started but also the switchpoles-43 and 50 of the audio circuits are thrown .to their fb contacts to condition the machine forplayback. The poles 43 and 50 are part of a conditioning relay 108 as represented by a tie line 109. A direct current supply-circuit for this relay 108 runs from the A.-C. 1ine-81-to the ground .line 39. The portion of this circuit which runs from the line '81 to one terminal of the relay comprises :in series a resistor 110, rectifier 111 and resistancecapacity filter 11-2. The other terminal of this relay is *connected to the ground line 39 via two switches controlled by the relays Hand 77 respectively. This switch of relay 74 comprises pole 113 and associated contact 113a and of relay 77, pole 114 and associated contact 11411. Pole 113 and :contact 113a are normallyclosed but the pole '114 and contact 1'14b are normally open. Thus, the conditioning relay 108 is actuated to condition the audio circuits for 'reproducing when the playback start-stop control 78 is pressed while the recordation start-stop control 76 is released.

The present system includes respective indicating devices for making length and correction marks to *aid the transcriber in transcribing recorded dictation. These device.swhich themselves are 'well known and need not be described-are operated by respective solenoids :115 and 116. The power for operating these solenoids :is derived from the filter 86 connected across the :motor M. For this reason one terminal of each solenoid is connected by a lead 117 to the high-potential output terminal of this filter. The otherterminal of the length solenoid 115 is connected by a lead 118 to-the'eontact 7.9a associated with the pole 79 of the on-olf. relay 73. Whenever the dictator moves the'station switch to Oif.position, as by manually depressing the hook supportiorrfhe handset or by placing the handset thereon, the .pole 79 makes with the contact 79a to .connectthe solenoid 115 across the filter 86 through the leads '93 and 83 aforementioned. Since the motor circuit is :brokenasthepole 79 returns to the contact 79a, the power :for operating the length solenoid is a single impulse derived from the energy stored in the condensers of the filteri86. Thus, the length marking device is operated whenever the station switch is returned to Oii-position.

The circuit for completing a connection of the correction solenoid .116 across the filter-86 .includesa contact 11317 and pole 1130f start-stop relay 74, contact 114b and pole 114 of the playback relay .77, the lead-84, contact 79b and pole 79 of start-stop relay 73 and vleads .93 and 83. Thus, a correction.mark is made only when all three relays 73, 74 and 77 are actuatedi. e., while the station switch is in On position and both the record- 'ation and playback start-stop controls 76 and 78 are depressed. Since the station switch is normally in On position during use of the system, in view of the handset being then held normally in the hand, the only special operations required of the dictator to make a correction mark are to press both start-stop controls 76 and 78 at the same time.

The auxiliary control, hereinbefore referred to, for enabling one dictating machine to suflice for a plural-station remotely-controlled recordation system, is a singlepole single-throw switch 119. This switch is normally open and is closed at a predetermined point of operation of the machine on the record. Since this point is in the second half portion of the record, typically at a threequarter point along the record for a record having about fifteen minutes recordation time, the switch 119 is referred to as the intermediate end switch. The means for so operating this switch may comprise a mechanical linkage 120, diagrammatically shown, and a lever 121 pivoted to the frame of the machine. This lever extends into the path of an arm 122 on the carriage to cause the intermediate end switch to be closed by the carriage when the recorder 31 is at a three-quarter point on the record and to be held closed in the further travel of the recorder to the end of the record.

The intermediate end switch 119 is in a circuit 123 which runs from the A.-C. line 81 to ground line 39 and which serially includes a suitable signaling means to apprise the attendant of the need for a change of record. Preferably, a signaling means is employed which will give a strong sound such as a bell or buzzer 124. However, in order that the buzzer 124 will not be energized only when the relay 73 is unactuated, i. e., when the station switch 6263 is in Off position.

It may be noted that if the dictator, after passing the intermediate point, presses the station switch 62-63 and then releases the same to make a length mark, the buzzer would be on momentarily. However, the fact that this operation of the buzzer is only momentary would reveal to the attendant that the dictator had not reached the end of a dictation period.

Upon receiving a steady signal from the buzzer, the attendant will know that he is to change the record. This record change involves several conditioning operations on the machine. For example, the attendant must first release the record clamp 33 and return the lever C of the record-reproduce mechanism to neutral position; and then after replacing the old record with a new one he must restore the record clamp and return the lever C to record position. Our invention involves the restoration of the buzzer 124 to an inoperative condition as an incident of the initial operation of one or another of such conditioning means. For example, we include a contact 127a of a double-throw switch 127 in the signal circuit 123, which is operable by the control lever C through a mechanical linkage 128 diagrammatically shown, the operation of such linkage being to open the switch 127 with respect to the contact 127a as the control lever C is moved out of record position and to close this switch as the lever C is returned to record position.

It is important that the dictator shall not attempt to use the system during the time the attendant is changing the record. Our invention contemplates that this shall be accomplished by various safeguarding means, as by warning the remote dictator in various ways and by disabling the remote controls at the station, and that this safeguarding means shall be put in operation automatically by the initial operation of one or more of the conditioning means above described, which are operated incidental to changing the record. This safeguarding means is controlled by a relay 129 connected in a D.-C. energizing circuit 130 running from the A.-C. line 81 to the ground 39 and serially including the resistor 110 and rectifier 111. Also in this energizing circuit is a contact 127b of the switch 127 and a single-throw switch 131 in parallel with the switch 127. The switch 131 is mechanically connected to the record-clamping mechanism 33 as represented diagrammatically by the line 132, the connection being such that the switch 131 is closed only when the record clamp is released. Thus, as the attendant conditions the machine for record change, the relay 129 will be actuated. One effect of this actuation is to remove the pole 91 from engagement with the associated contact 91a to connect the busy line 90 to the ground 39 and cause all busy lights to go on. Another function of the relay 129 is controlled by a switch pole 133 in the communication line 12. When the relay 129 is not actuated, pole 133 makes with contact 133a to close the line 12 and render the communication line operative. When the relay 129 is actuated, the pole 133 makes with an associated contact 1331; connected by a line 134, including a current-limiting condenser 134a, to the secondary of the power transformer 66. This breaking of the pole 133 from the contact 133a and making of the pole with the contact 13317 effects three disabling functions: (1) it disables the audio system in that it disconnects all stations from the audio transformer 38, (2) it opens the circuits of the on-oif and start-stop relays 73 and 74 to disable the control system, and (3) it feeds an audible signal, in the form of 60-cycle hum, in the communication line to the receivers 54 of all stations. Since this safeguarding means is controlled by both the record clamp 33 and the record-reproduce lever C, the new record must be clamped on the turntable and the recorder must be returned on the record before these safeguarding functions are removed to permit use again of the system.

In order that the attendant may not inadvertently fail to restore the machine to operating condition after changing the record on the turntable, a signaling means is provided for the attendant of a character quite moderate with respect to the buzzer 124. This signaling means comprises a signal lamp 135, for example, of the neon type, and an electronic fiasher 136. The flasher and lamp are connected serially in a circuit between ground 39 and the A.-C. line 81. This circuit also includes in series a resistance capacity filter 137, a rectifier 138 and resistor 139. The B supply for the amplifier 47 is taken from this circuit at the point marked B The flasher 136 is a relaxation-type oscillator of well-known form, it being fully described for instance in the pending application of Richard M. Somers, Serial No. 301,437, filed July 29, 1952 (being a continuation-in-part of Somers application Serial No. 35,885, now abandoned). For the present purposes, this oscillator may be described as comprising two triodes in one envelope 140 of which the grid of each is connected through a condenser 141 to the plate of the other. Also, these grids are connected through resistors 142 and 143 to a common cathode and to ground. The plate corresponding to the grid resistor 142 is connected through a resistor 144 to the B supply, and the plate corresponding to the grid resistor 143 is connected through resistor 145 and resistor 146 to the B supply, but the resistor 146 is shunted by the signal lamp 135. The grid resistor 143 is however normally shorted by a circuit 147 which serially includes a contact 149a and pole 149 of the relay 129. So long as the resistor 143 is shorted, the flasher 136 is disabled and the lamp 135 gives a steady light. This occurs when the relay 129 is unactuated to indicate to the attendant that the machine is conditioned properly for operation. However, when the relay 129 is actuated because of one or another of the conditioning means above described being not restored to render the som machine operative, the shorting circuit 147.is opened to render the flasher operative. When thefflasher is. operative the plate voltage of the triode controlling the lamp 135 is varied intermittently toflash'this lamp.

Also serially included in the shorting circuit 147 is'a 1 contact 150a of a double-throw switch 150. This switch is operable automatically by the carriage 29at theend of its travel across the record, and is'herein referred to as the end switch. The operation of the switch may be effected by abutment of the carriage arm 122against a lever 151 pivoted to the frame of the'dictating machine and coupled to the switch by a mechanical connection 152 diagrammatically represented. This switch is normally closed with its a contact but it breaks withithat contact as the recorder nears the end of the record and a moment later it makes with the b contactas the recorder reaches the very end of the record. The effect of breaking with the a contact is to start the flasher 136. This is not for the purpose of signaling the attendant but is for the purpose of feeding a tick sound info the-communication circuit 12-413 to warn thedictator that he has only a few moments recordation time left on the record. This warning circuit is across-the grid resistor 143 via a lead 155, condenser 157 and the primary 'of the-transformer 158 to ground 39. Since the secondary 'of thistransformer is connected across the communication line the fluctuating voltage across the grid resistor 143 will be transmitted through the transformer 158 to the communication line and thence to the receiver 54 of the dictators station to produce the tick sound.

The contact 15% is connected by a'lead 153 to the line 130 so'that as the pole of switch 150 closes with the b contact, the relay 129 will be actuated to throw the poles 133 and 91 against their b contacts andto open the pole 149 with respect to its associated contact 149a. The immediate effects of the switching of pole 133 are to disconnect the amplifier from the remote stations, to disable the control relays 73 and 74 and to feed heavy hum to the stations as hereinbefore described. There is no immediate result from this switching of the pole 91; instead, the effect comes into play when the operator hangsup his handset, the result then being'that all busy signals stay on since the busy-signal circuit is now completed through pole 91 and contact 91b independently of the switch 79 of the on-oif relay 73. The opening of pole 149 from contact 149a has no effect at this time since the shorting circuit 147 is already open by reason of the pole 150 engaging the contact 15017.

The operation of the end switch 150 causes the relay 129 to be actuated to cause, among other things, the communication line 12 to be opened. The opening of this line removes energizing current from the on-oif relay 73 to cause the switch pole 125 to engage the contact 1250. The closing of this pole and switch contact starts the buzzer 124 since the intermediate switch 119 in' thebuzzer circuit is closed with its b contact before the end switch is operated. By this operation of the buzzer at the end of the record, the attendant is signaled to change the record.

In order that all busy lights will'stay on'without interruption when a dictator hangs up after having passed the preselected intermediate point on the record, the a contact of the switch 91 is connected to the buzzer circuit 123 between the buzzer and ground. Thus in theint erim between the time a dictator hangs up his handset while the intermediate end switch 119is actuated and the time the attendant operates one of the conditioning means to enable a change of record, the busy signal circuit is completed via the line $1, primary of the transformer 89 line 90, pole 91 and contact 91a, lead 123, pole 119 and contact 11% and contact 127a and pole 127 to ground. This feature is however not broadlynew since it ,is shown in the pending Kobler app ication abovementioned.

A modified form of our invention is illustrated by the fractional schematic drawing of Figure 2. .In thismodification, all componentsandcircuit leads which maybe the 'ing condition.

.same as in the first embodiment are giventhe same reference characters and new elements are given new reference record,.and that as soon as a record change is initiated by the attendant the system is disabled until the record change is completed. This disabling is effected by the pole 133 breaking with the contact 133a to open the communication line 12 and thereby disable the relays73 and 74 and preventing the feed-through of audio currents to the transformer 38, and by the pole 133making with the contact 133b to cause heavy hum to be fed from the line 134 to the dictators receiver. Also, as the pole133 moves from contact 133a to contact 13312, the pole 91 breaks with contact 9111 and makes with contact 91b to close the primary circuit of the transformer 89 which supplies energizing current to the busylights. However, in this first embodiment of our invention, a dictator can take over control of the system after recordation has progressed into the intermediate end zone and the receiver-microphone is next returned on its support, simply by picking up his receiver-microphone from its support before the attendant has started to make the record change. In our second embodiment, the system is disabled and warning signals are given to all dictators stations, the same as by the attendant starting a record change in our first embodiment, as soon as the dictator returns his receiver-microphoneonto its support after having recorded into the intermediate end zone. Moreover, in this second embodiment, these safeguarding functions of disabling the system and warning the dictators are effected automatically and maintained positively until the attendant has completed the change of record and restored the machine to operat- This modification is adapted to prevent positively any dictator from starting a dictationperiod while the recorder is registering with a portion of the record in the intermediate end zone.

The modifications in our first embodiment Which are required to accomplish this different result comprise a few simple circuit changes and the provision of an additional switch pole 1613 and associated contact 16% in the relay 129. This switch Nit-16% is connected in a circuit 161 of the buzzer 124 in place of the switch 125-+125a of the on-oif relay 73. Also, the connection of the buzzer to the line 92123 (see Fig. 1) is removed and in its place the circuit 161 of the buzzer is connected to a normally-closed contact of one of the machineconditioning switches operated incidental to changing the record, this lead being connected, by way of example, to the contact 127a of the switch 127 controlled by the record-reproduce lever C. Also, the tie line between the contacts 127a and 111% is removed. The effect. of these circuit changes is to cause the buzzer P4 to be put in operation as soon as the relay 129 is actuated provided the selected machine-conditioning switch is then in its normal position-i. e., the record-reproduce lever C is in record position.

In order that the relay 129 will be actuated as soon as the dictator returns his receiver-microphone onto its support, after having recorded into the intermediate end zone, the energizing circuit of the relay 129 is revised by removing the connection 123 .(see Fig. 1) to the pole 119 of the intermediate end switch, connecting this pole instead by means of the lead 162 to the contact 125a of the relay 73, and connecting the associated .pole 1250f this contact to the ground line 34. Since the switch pole .119 is closed with its b contact when recordation is in the intermediate end zone, the circuit of the relay 129 is completed by the return of pole 125 to contact 125a which occursas-an incident of returning the receivermicrophone onto its support, this circuit being completed 11 r via the lead 81, which runs from the ungrounded side of the voltage supply circuit 67, the resistor 110, rectifier 111, lead 130 including the relay 129, contact 119b, pole 119, lead 162, contact 125a, pole 125, lead 84 and ground line 39 which runs to the other side of the supply circuit 67. The resultant actuation of the relay 129 causes the pole 133 to break with the contact 133a and to make with the contact 133b, the effect of this switching operation being to disable the relays 73 and 74 and to open the audio circuit between the station and the transformer 38, and to cause hum to be fed from the line 134 to the receiver at the dictators station. Also, the actuation of relay 129 closes the pole 160 with the contact 16019 and switches the pole 91 from contact 91a to contact 91b. The result of these switching operations is to complete the circuit of the buzzer 124 and to complete the primary circuit of the transformer 89 which feeds current to the busy lights as above described. The busy light signals inform the dictators that the system is not free for use, but the hum signal which will be heard if a dictator should then pick up the handset, gives him the further information that the system is in a disabled condition awaiting a change of record. As the attendant changes the record, the circuit of the buzzer 12 i is opened by the switching of the pole 127 to its b contact, which switching occurs as the record-reproduce lever C is moved out of record position. As the attendant completes a change of record and returns the machine-conditioning switches to their normal positionswhich is to return the switch poles 159, 119, 127 and 131 to their leftward positions shown in the Figuresthe circuit of the relay 129 will be open and the machine will be restored to operating condition.

Although we have herein particularly described our invention in connection with a system adapted for recordation and playback at the will of the dictator, it will be understood that many features of the invention are not necessarily limited to recordation systems but may have useful application in systems, whether locally or remotely controlled, for playback only. In the claims, the terms operator and operators station, are used broadly in reference to the system when adapted for recordation and/ or playback.

It will be understood that the particular embodiment of our invention herein shown and described is intended to be illustrative and not necessarily limitative of our invention since our invention is subject to changes and modifications without departure from the scope and spirit thereof. We intend to cover in the following claims all changes and modifications of the example of the invention herein chosen for purposes of the disclosure, which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. In a dictation-recording system including an attendants station, a machine at said attendants station having a record support and means for recording progressively on a record removably mounted on said support, a remote dictators station including an on-off station switch, a microphone, and a start-stop control: the combination of means controlled by said station switch for connecting said microphone and start-stop control to said recording machine when said station switch is in On position; means for selectively conditioning said machine for operation on a supported record and for a change of record on said support; electrically operable means for signaling an attendant when a change of record is needed; an auxiliary control switch actuated by said machine as recordation proceeds beyond a predetermined point on the record; circuit means including said station switch and said auxiliary control switch for causing operation of said signaling means when said on-olf station switch is in Oh? position and said auxiliary control switch is in actuated position; and means operable by said conditioning means as said machine is placed out of condition for operation to render inoperative said signaling means.

2. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system comprising an attendants station, a phonographic machine at said attendants station including a record support and means for recording on a record removably mounted on said support, and a plurality of remote stations each including a transducer and manual controls for said machine: the combination of means for connecting said transducer and manual controls of each of said remote stations to said phonographic machine; operable conditioning means for selectively placing said machine in condition for operation on a supported record and in condition for a change of record on said support; circuit means including electrically operable means for signaling an attendant when a change of record is required; and switch means controlled by said conditioning means as said machine is conditioned for a change of record on said support to render inoperative said signaling means.

3. The combination set forth in claim 2 including a second signaling device for informing the attendant when the machine is not in condition for operation; and means operable by said conditioning means to cause said second signaling device to be in operative condition during record change.

4. The combination set forth in claim 2 including busy-signaling means for each of said stations; and means operated by said conditioning means as said machine is conditioned for a change of record on said support for rendering all of said busy-signaling means operative.

5. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system including a phonographic machine having a support for a moving record and means for recording on a record removably mounted on said support, and including a plurality of remote operators stations: the combination of a communication circuit connecting said remote stations to said phonographic machine; means for securing a record in place on said support; electrically operable means for signalling an attendant when a change of record is needed; and circuit means including switch means controlled by said securing means to stop said signaling means While the securing means is in an unoperated condition.

6. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system including a dictating machine having a record support and means including a translating device for recording on a record removably mounted on said support: the combination of conditioning means coupled to said translating device and movable into different positions to place the device into record and other conditions; a plurality of remote control stations for said machine; circuit means connecting said control stations to said machine; electrically operable means for signaling an attendant when a change of record is needed; and an energizing circuit for said signaling means including switch means operable by said conditioning means as said translating device is placed out of record position for stopping said signaling means.

7. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system comprising an attendants station, a phonographic machine at said attendants station having a record support and means for recording on a record removably mounted on said support, and a remote station including a transducer and a start-stop control for said machine: the combination of means for connecting said transducer and startstop control to said phonographic machine; means for selectively conditioning said machine for operation on a supported record and for a change of record on said support; circuit means for feeding an audible signal to said transducer; and switch means in said circuit means controlled by said conditioning means as said machine is conditioned for a change of record on said support for rendering said signal-feeding means operative.

8. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system including a phonographic machine having a support for a moving record and means for recording on a record removably mounted on saidsupport, and including further plurality-of remote operators stations: the combinagive busysignals; means for selectively conditioning said machine for operation on a supported record and for a change of record on said support; and means at said machine controlled by said conditioning means as said machineiis conditioned fora change of record on said support to maintain said .busy signals on while all of said station switches are in Off position.

9. .In a remotely-controlled phonographic system including a phonographic machine having an audio circuit and a support for a moving record, and'including a plurality of remote operators stationseach'including a transducer unit: the combination of a communication circuit connectingthe transducerunits of said remote stations to said audioicircuit of said phonographic machine; means .for selectively conditioning said machine for operation on a supported record andQfora change of record on said support; and switch meansin said communication circuit controlled by .said conditioning means as said machine is conditioned for a change of record to disconnectsaid transducer units from said audio circuit.

10..In a phonographic system including a phonographic machine having a translating device for operation on a supported record: theflcombination .of an electrically operable indicating .device for making indicating marks for the use of a transcriber; an operators station including a transducer and an on-off station switch; circuit means controlled by said station switch for operatively connecting said transducer to said machine when said station switch islin on position; and an energizing circuit for said indicating device including switch means and a single electrically operable actuating means therefor controlled by said station switch via said circuit means and rendered effective as the switch .is returned to Oit position for actuating said indicating device.

11. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system including a dictating machine having an audio circuit and relatively movable record supporting and record-coopen able translating devices: the combination of a dictators equipment including a transducer and an on-ofi station switch; interstation circuit means controlled by said station switch for connecting said transducer to said audio circuit when said station switch is in On position; a length marking means for making length marks corresponding to the positioning of said translating device relative to a supported record, including an electricallyoperable marking device; and circuit-operating means for said marking device controlled solely by said station switch at said dictators station.

12. In a dictationrrecording system including a dictating machine having relatively movable record supportingand record-cooperable translating devices, and drive means for producing relative movement between said devices: the combination of means for making length marks corresponding to :the positioning of the translating device relative to a supported record, including an electrically-operable marking device; a dictators equipment including a microphone, an on-ofr" station switch, and a start-stop switch for said drive means; circuit means controlled by said station switch for enabling start-stop control of said machine for recordation of dictation from said microphone When said station switch is in On position; and control means for said marking device operatively independentof said start-stop switch and comprising an energizing circuit confined to said machine and a relay at said machine controlled by said station switch via said circuit means, said relay having switch contacts in said energizing circuit for closing said energizing circuit to cause operation of said marking device as said station switch is returned to Otifposition.

' 13. In a dictation recording system including a dictating machine-having relatively movable record supporting and record-cooperable translating devices: the combination of meansfor making indicating'marks' in accordance with the positioning of said translating device relative to a supported record, including an-elecri cally-operable marking device; a dictators equipment including a microphoneand an on-off station switch; circuit means controlled by said station switch for-rendering said machine operable to record dictation from said microphone when said station switch in in On position; means for storingelectrical energy; an energy charging circuit-for said storing means; a relay controlled by said station switch; and means controlled by said relay tocause said energy-storing means to be connected to-said charging circuit when said station switch is in On position and to cause said storing means to be connectedacross saidindicating device when said station switch is in -Ofi. position.

14-. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system including a dictating machine having a translating'device movable across a supported record and having means for efiecting playback of the record: the combination. of a deviceifor making indications for a transcriber according to the positioning of the translating device on the record; a remote operators station having a start-stop control for said machine when operating as a recorder and a start-stop control for said machine when operating as a reproducer; circuit means connecting said station controls to said machine; and means in said circuit means effective only when both of said start-stop controls are in start position for causing operation of said indicating device. I

15. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system including .a machineffor recording on a supported record and for effecting playback: the combination of a remote dictators stationihavi'ng separate manual controls for recordationand for playback; circuit means connecting said controls to said machine; means responsive to said recordation control for starting and stopping said machine; and means controlled by said recordation control for abling and disabling said playback control respectively as the recordation control is moved into stop and start positions.

16. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system includinga machine for recording on a supported record andfor effecting playback: the combinationof a remote dictators station having manual start-stop controls for recordation and for playback; circuit means connecting said controls .to said machine; start-stop relays in said circuit means responsive respectively to said recordation and playback controls; a further relay and means controlled thereby for conditioning the audio circuits of said machine for playback; and an energizing circuit for said conditioningrelay having electricswitches therein controlled respectively by said recordation and playback start-stop relays to cause operation of the conditioningrelay only when said recordation start-stop relay is unoperated and said playback start-stop relay is operated.

17. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system including a machine for recording on a supported record: the combination of a remote dictators station having a transducer and manual switches; a communication circuit connecting said transducer to said machine and having therein a source of direct current; a start-stop device for said machine connected .in said communication circuit and adapted to operate when the D. C. current in said circuit reaches a predetermined level; means at said station and cooperating with one of said manual switches for device leading from the high potential side of said D. C. source through one line of said A. C. signal circuit, the other of said manual switches at said station and the lowpotential line of said communication circuit to the other side of said D. C. source whereby said control device is operated when the other of said manual switches is operated, said control device being connected between the high-potential side of said D. C. source and said A. C. signal circuit to prevent hum produced in said one A. C. signal line from reaching said communication circuit.

18. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system including a machine for recording on a supported record and for effecting playback: the combination of a remote dictators station having a recordation start-stop control and a playback control; circuit means connecting said controls to said machine; an indicating device in said machine for making marks for a transcriber according to the positioning of the point of operation of the machine on the record; a start-stop relay controlled by said recordation control; an energizing circuit for said indicating device prepared for operation by said start-stop relay when the same is in start position; and means responsive to said playback control while said recordation control is in start position for completing said energizing circuit of said indicating device.

19. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system including a machine for recording on a supported record and for effecting playback: the combination of a remote dictators station having start-stop controls for recordation and for playback; an indicating device in said machine for making indicating marks for a transcriber according to the point of operation of the machine on the record; electrically-operable means for conditioning the machine for playback; energizing circuits for said indicating device and playback-conditioning means respectively; means responsive to said recordation control to prepare the energizing circuits of said indicating device and playback-conditioning means respectively as said recordation control is moved to start and stop positions; and means controlled by said playback control to complete whichever of said energizing circuits is prepared at the moment by said recordation control.

20. In a dictation-recording system including an attendants station, a machine at said station having a movable record support and means for recording on a record removably mounted on said support, a remote dictators station including an on-ofi' station switch, a microphone, and a start-stop control: the combination of means rendered eifective by said station switch as the switch is moved to On position for operatively connecting said microphone and start-stop control to said recording machine; means for disabling said system; an auxiliary control switch actuated by said recording means as recordation proceeds beyond an immediate point on the record;

and circuit means including said station switch and said auxiliary control switch for placing said disabling means in effective condition as said station switch is returned to Ofr position while said auxiliary control switch is in actuated 7 position.

21. The combination set forth in claim 20, including signaling means and control means therefor operated with said disabling means for apprising a remote dictator when said system is in a disabled condition.

22. The combination set forth in claim 20 including an electroacoustic receiving device at said dictators station connectable to said attendants station via said onofl station switch and said circuit-connecting means when said station switch is in On position; a source of signal current at said attendants station; and means associated with said disabling means and operable for connecting said signal source to said receiving device via said connecting means and station switch when said disabling means is in effective condition and said station switch is in On position.

23. The combination set forth in claim 20 including means for selectively conditioning said machine for operation on a supported record and for a change of record on said support; and means controlled by said conditioning means for maintaining said disabling means in efiective condition so long as said machine is conditioned for a change of record on said support.

24. In a dictation-recording system including an attendants station, a machine at said attendants station having a record support and means for recording dictation on a record removably mounted on said support, and a remote dictators station having a receiver-microphone and a start-stop control for said recording machine: the combination of an on-off station switch at said remote station; circuit means controlled by said station switch for connecting said receiver-microphone and start-stop control to said recording machine when said station switch is in On position; means for selectively conditioning said machine for operation on a supported record and for a change of record on said support; a disabling relay including operable contacts connected in said circuit means for disabling said system for operation from said remote station when said disabling relay is operated; an intermediate end switch operated by said machine as recordation proceeds beyond a predetermined point on the record; a control relay controlled by said station switch; and an energizing circuit for said disabling relay serially including said intermediate end switch and contacts of said control relay for causing said system to be disabled when said station switch is returned to Off position while said intermediate end switch is in operative position.

25. The combination set forth in claim 24 wherein said disabling relay includes switch means for disconnecting said station switch from said control relay as the disabling relay is operated, and including means to cause said control relay to remain in OK position when said station switch is disconnected therefrom until said intermediate end switch is returned to unactuated position.

26. The combination set forth in claim 24 including a switch controlled by said conditioning means and connected in parallel with said intermediate end switch for maintaining said disabling means in effective condition after return of said intermediate end switch to unactuated position so long as said conditioning means is positioned to condition said machine for a change of record.

27.111 a dictation-recording system including an attendants station, a machine 'at said attendants station for recording on a supported record, a remote dictators station including a microphone, and a start-stop control: the combination of means for connecting said microphone and start-stop control to said recording machine; electrically operable means for disabling said system; an auxiliary control switch actuated by said machine as recordation proceeds beyond a predetermined point on the record; electrically operable means for making a length mark; a switch for controlling said length mark means; and an energizing circuit for said disabling means including a switch mechanically tied to said length marking control switch and further including said auxiliary control switch for placing said disabling means in eflective condition as a length mark is made while said auxiliary control switch is in actuated position.

28. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system including a machine for recording on a supported record: the combination of a remote dictators station including a transducer, a signal device and a manual control switch; a communication circuit connecting said transducer to said machine and including therein a source of voltage; a signaling circuit connecting said signal device to said machine and including therein a source of signaling current; an electrically-energizable control device for said machine; and an energizing circuit under control of said manual switch for operating said control device by current from said voltage source comprising 17 circuit means connecting said control device at said machine between the high-potential side of said communication circuit and one side of said signaling circuit, and circuit means connecting said manual switch at said remote station between said one side of said signaling circuit and the low-potential side of said communication circuit.

29. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system comprising an attendants station, a phonographic machine at said attendants station including a movable record support and means including a phonographic drive mechanism for recording on a record removably mounted on said support, and a plurality of remote stations each including a station switch, a transducer and a manual control for said drive mechanism: the combination of means for connecting said transducer and manual control of each of said remote stations to said phonographic machine; operable conditioning means for selectively placing said machine in condition for operation on a supported record and in condition for a change of record on said support; disabling means operable to render said phonographic drive mechanism inoperable from said remote station; and means controlled by said conditioning means as said machine is conditioned for a change of record on said support for rendering said disabling means operative.

30. In a dictation-recording system including an attendants station, a machine at said attendants station having means for recording on a supported record, a remote dictators station including an on-ofi station switch, a microphone and a start-stop control: the combination of means controlled by said station switch for operatively connecting said microphone and start-stop control to said recording machine when said station switch is in On position; an auxiliary control switch actuated by said recording means as recordation proceeds beyond an intermediate point on the record; and means for disabling said system comprising a system disabling device, means to place said system disabling device into effective condition upon return of said station switch to CE position while said auxiliary control switch is in actuated position, and means rendered effective as said disabling device is placed in efiective condition to cause said disabling device to be maintained in eifective condition independently of said station switch until said auxiliary control switch is returned to unactuated position.

31. In a dictation-recording system including a dictating machine having relatively movable record supporting and record-cooperable translating devices: the combination of means for making indicating marks in accordance with the positioning of the translating devices relative to a supported record, including a marking device adapted to be operated by a pulse of electric current; a dictators marking control switch for said marking device operable between closed and open positions and biased into one of said positions; a condenser for storing electrical energy; and means controlled by said marking control switch for supplying charging current to said condenser when the marking control switch is in its said biased position and for connecting said charged condenser across said marking device as said marking control switch is moved to its other position.

32. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system including a dictating machine and a remote dictators station connected thereto, said machine having a record support and a record-cooperable translating device for recording on a record removably mounted on said support: the combination of conditioning means coupled to said translating device and movable into different positions to place the device into record and neutral conditions; electrically-operable means for signaling an attendant when a change of record is needed; and means for controlling said signaling means by said conditioning means according to whether said translating device is in record or neutral condition.

33. In a dictation-recording system including an attendants station having a machine for recording on a supported record, and including a remote dictators station having a microphone and a start-stop control: the combination of means for connecting said microphone and startstop control to said recording machine; disabling means for rendering said machine inoperable to record dictation from said dictators station; a control device operated by said machine as the recording proceeds into a predetermined end zone on the record; means for making a length mark corresponding to the positioning of the point of recording on the record; operable means for rendering said lengthmarking means operative; and means responsive to said operable means when said control device is operated for rendering said disabling means operative.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,206,987 Clausen Dec. 5, 1916 2,063,323 Malling Dec. 8, 1936 2,082,303 Schiller June 1, 1937 2,277,207 Chenoweth et al Mar. 24, 1942 2,284,306 Sparling May 26, 1942 2,329,107 Clausen Sept. 7, 1943 2,333,235 Clausen -Nov. 2, 1943 2,485,381 Horner Oct. 18, 1949 2,547,216 Kobler Apr. 3, 1951 

